Rheinmetall says Germany has overtaken the US in conventional ammunition capacity after major defense production expansion

Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger says Germany now has more capacity than the US to produce conventional ammunition, after the company sharply expanded output of trucks, medium-caliber rounds, and artillery shells. Rheinmetall’s workforce has grown to 44,000 and could reach 70,000 by 2030, supported by a large German supplier base.

Germany’s defense surge reflects Europe’s broader shift toward rearmament as Russia is formally treated as the main security threat. Rheinmetall’s growth also suggests defense manufacturing could absorb some workers and suppliers affected by downsizing in Germany’s auto industry.

Germany has become the largest ammunition producer in the world